Suspect wanted for murdering a Long Beach musician found hiding in Hesperia

HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A man and woman wanted in connection with the murder of a beloved musician in Long Beach were arrested in Hesperia, officials said.

It happened at about 2:30 pm on Thursday, August 15, 2019, in the 1900 block of East Mono Drive. Detectives went to the home searching for the suspect Thomas Arellaga, 43, of Long Beach responsible for the murder of 45-year-old Tasi Malaki of Long Beach.

A second female suspect, Lorna Clemena, 43, of Long Beach, was also arrested in connection to the murder.

Officials said Clemena was aware of the shooting and attempted to protect Thomas Arellaga from arrest, trial, or conviction by concealing evidence related to the shooting.

Arellaga was booked into jail on $2 million bail and Clemena was booked on $1 million bail, police said.

On Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 11:40 PM Long Beach Police Officers were called to a shooting in the area of West Willow Street and Eucalyptus Avenue.

Tasi, born Asofaatasi Malaki, was gunned down outside a bar.

Deputies arrived and found him with gunshot wounds to his upper torso and despite life-saving measures, Malaki was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Detectives said the two men were involved in a dispute that resulted with Malaki being shot. Aside from the dispute prior to the shooting, the motive is currently unknown.

Police plan to present their case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office early next week.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detectives Malcolm Evans or Robert Gonzales at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.